Report: Ex-Red Joyce may call on Paul Scholes to help at new club Wigan

Scholes retired over three years ago but the United legend has barely worked as a coach during that time

Paul Scholes is being targeted by former Manchester United under-23 boss Warren Joyce for a coaching role at Wigan Athletic, per the Daily Mirror.

The Red Devils legend retired as a player just over three years ago when the end of his career culminated with United’s 20th Premier League title win, while Joyce was still a key figure in the club’s youth system.

Joyce to gamble on Scholes

However, Scholes has mainly taken up media roles since ending his playing duties, working as a pundit for both ITV and BT Sport. But Joyce, who landed the manager's job at the DW Stadium earlier this month despite apparent competition from Ryan Giggs, now wants to hand Scholes his first official coaching role.

United are still looking for a permanent replacement for Joyce, who is clearly looking to extend the Red Devils-type influence in Wigan.

Joyce is hoping that Scholes, although he doesn’t possess a UEFA pro-licence, can provide his Wigan players with his invaluable expertise.

Scholes is also said to be a contender to take up Joyce’s former position at Old Trafford, with another of his former United academy teammates – Nicky Butt – currently in interim charge.

Scholes assisted Giggs with first team duties at the end of 2013/14 season | Photo: Alex Livesey/ Getty Images

But the caveat, potentially for both United and Wigan, is that Scholes’ only coaching experience to date was working with Giggs and Butt during the Welshman’s short spell in charge of the Red Devils’ first team from April – May 2016 following David Moyes’ sacking.

Scholes would be welcomed back at United

Scholes has criticised United at various points since officially leaving the club, most recently when the Red Devils fell to defeat in Turkey against Fenerbahce at the beginning of the month.

After that result, the once world-class midfielder said: "We’ve had a painful three years and I think the next 18 months to two years could be very similar until this manager has three, four transfer windows.”

Even with such comments, most United fans would be delighted to have the legendary midfielder back at the club in a coaching capacity. Equally, supporters would surely wish Scholes the best of luck in any potential role at Wigan, too.